Analgesic compounds from Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. and Mey.) DC

The genus Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae): A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, chemotaxonomy, and other applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Scorzonera L. comprises of approximately 175 species, which are mainly distributed in temperate and arid regions of Central Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. Twenty-nine Scorzonera traditional ethnomedicines have been used for treating colds and fevers, pulmonary diseases, asthma, dyspepsia, malignant stomach neoplasia, liver disorder, jaundice, kidney diseases, mastitis, women's vaginitis, herpes zoster, poisonous ulcers, rheumatic pain, diabetic, atherosclerosis, headache, hypertension, dysentery, pregnant vomiting, snakebites, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to systematically evaluate the genus Scorzonera over its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, discuss the relationship between traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties, and put forward some suggestions to promote further development and utilization of Scorzonera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is based on published scientific research works obtained from the following databases: Elsevier, Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, CNKI, Baidu Scholar, ResearchGate, and others (the Flora of China, 1997 edition; Chinese herbal books, PhD dissertation and Master thesis in Chinese).

RESULTS

The genus 81 Scorzonera plants have been studied for their traditional usage, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Altogether 421 chemical constituents are isolated from the 54 species of Scorzonera, which include sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenoids, steroids, quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, cumarinoids, lignanoids, phenylpropanoids, stilbene derivatives, benzylphthalides, kava lactones, phenolics, aliphatic acids, phthalic acids, alkanes, vitamins, sugars, alkaloids, and other constitutes. Besides those listed above, there are also volatile oils, polysaccharides, tannins, amino acids, enzymes, and inorganic elements. The extracts and compounds extracted from 55 Scorzonera species exhibit extensive pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, wound healing, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, anti-ulcerogenic, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, repairing cerebral ischemia, antidepressant, immunomodulatory activities, enzyme inhibitory effects, etc. Clinical applications strongly indicate that certain species are effective in treating herpes zoster and pregnancy resistance. Certain species are studied over applicationssuch as pharmacokinetic and histological distribution, and toxicity, the product extraction process, quick-freezing processing technology, synthesized metabolites, etc. Chemotaxonomy is also discussed on Scorzonera.

CONCLUSION

This review provides information on traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, chemotaxonomy, other applications aspects, and future prospects of the genus Scorzonera. However, only around one third of Scorzonera species have been studied so far. This review may be used as the basis for future endeavors, including further biological and chemical investigations, and efforts of seeking more applications.

Assessment of Correlation Analysis, Phytochemical Profile, and Biological Activities of Endemic Scorzonera Species from Turkey

Scorzonera species belong to the Asteraceae family comprising more than 25000 species. The present study aimed to examine the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of S. sandrasica Hartvig et Strid, S. coriacea A. Duran&Aksoy, and S. ahmet-duranii Makbul&Coskuncelebi which are endemic species to Turkey. Flavonoids such as hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, isoorientin, orientin, 7-O-methyl isoorientin, luteolin-7-O-β-glycoside, apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside, vitexin, isovitexin as well as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives including chlorogenic acid, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid contents were analyzed to clarify phytochemical content of the extracts. Aerial parts of the investigated extracts were determined as contain flavonoids in high amounts. Chlorogenic acid and its derivatives were detected in all investigated species, in varying amounts, both in the roots and aerial parts. S. coriacea aerial parts contained the highest total phenolic and flavonoids. The strongest inhibitory activities on ABTS and DPPH radicals were also observed with S. coriacea aerial parts by 8.07±0.28 and 13.94±0.53 μg/ml of IC50 values, respectively. Total phenolic contents of the extracts were significantly correlated with DPPH (r=-0.9842, p=0.0004) and ABTS free radical scavenging (r=-0.9870, p=0.0003) and total antioxidant capacity (r=0.8173, p=0.0470), as well as total flavonoid contents (r=0.8820, p=0.0201). S. sandrasica aerial parts and S. ahmet-duranii roots exhibited the greatest red blood cell membrane protection and protein denaturation inhibition, respectively. From the phytochemical point of view, all the selected species were analyzed for the first time.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species

The genus Scorzonera comprises nearly 200 species, naturally occurring in Europe, Asia, and northern parts of Africa. Plants belonging to the Scorzonera genus have been a significant part of folk medicine in Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Turkey for centuries. Therefore, they have become the subject of research regarding their phytochemical composition and biological activity. The aim of this review is to present and assess the phytochemical composition, and bioactive potential of species within the genus Scorzonera. Studies have shown the presence of many bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, or caffeic acid and quinic acid derivatives in extracts obtained from aerial and subaerial parts of the plants. The antioxidant and cytotoxic properties have been evaluated, together with the mechanism of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activity. Scorzonera species have also been investigated for their activity against several bacteria and fungi strains. Despite mild cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines in vitro, the bioactive properties in wound healing therapy and the treatment of microbial infections might, in perspective, be the starting point for the research on Scorzonera species as active agents in medical products designed for miscellaneous skin conditions.

New chlorogenic acid derivatives and triterpenoids from Scorzonera aucheriana

Chromatographic separation ofn-hexane and ethyl acetate fraction of a crude methanol extract obtained from aerial parts of theScorzonera aucherianaDC collected from Sivas province of Turkey yielded nine natural compounds; two new 3-caffeoyl-quinic acid analogs (1-2), one new taraxasterol oleate (3), and six known triterpenoids taraxasterol (4), taraxasterol acetate (5), ptiloepoxide (6), lupeol (7), lupeol acetate (8), andβ-sitosterol (9) were characterized. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of NMR (¹H,¹³C, COSY, HMBC, HSQC, and TOCSY), UV, FT-IR and LC-Q-TOF-MS spectrometric data.

Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Capensis Thunb (Moraceae) by Bioactivity Fractionation

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of Ficus capensis (AEFC) by bio-guided fractionation.

METHODS

The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of AEFC (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg, i.p) were assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, tail-flick, formalin tests, and carrageenan- induced paw edema, respectively. The AEFC was fractionated base on polarity difference into butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions. The fractions (500 mg/kg) obtained were subjected to the same experimental procedures mentioned above. The EAF, which exerted the most productive activities, was further subjected to fractionation procedures that yielded six fractions (labeled CF1-CF6). These fractions (200 mg/kg) were tested for potential antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Notable antagonists (Naloxone and atropine) of the nociceptive pathway were used to evaluate the mechanism of the antinociceptive action of F. capensis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The AEFC, BF, EAF, and CF4 caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the number of abdominal writhes, an increase in reaction time against the hot plate, tail-flick tests, and a significant (p<0.05) inhibition in both phases of formalin test. The AEFC, BF, EAF, CF4, and CF6 caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw edema development due to carrageenan. Atropine significantly reversed the antinociceptive effect of CF4 in both phases of the formalin test. The results obtained revealed that CF4 produced central and peripheral antinociceptive effects, while CF6 is peripherally mediated.

CONCLUSION

The results support the traditional uses of F. capensis in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation. The column fraction CF4 exhibited muscarinic receptor- mediated antinociceptive activity.

Inhibitory activity of Scorzonera latifolia and its components on enzymes connected with healing process

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC. (Asteraceae) grows naturally in Eastern Anatolia, northeastern Iran, and Caucasus. Latex of S. latifolia roots is used in Turkish folk medicine for its analgesic effects, externally to cure infertility in women, and internally as an antihelmintic. The milk obtained from the stem of the Scorzonera species is used for wound healing activity. Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities have previously been reported for S. latifolia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

A methanol extract of the aerial parts of Scorzonera latifolia that had been shown to possess wound-healing activity, was used to elucidate the possible mechanism of the wound-healing activity and to identify the compound(s) responsible for the effect by means of bioassay-guided fractionation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The wound-healing activity potential of methanol extract of S. latifolia was detected by evaluating the inhibitory activity on the collagenase, hyaluronidase and elastase, which play important roles in the wound-healing process. Succesive fractionation of the methanol extract using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, respectively, and the residual wateryielded four respective fractions. The ethyl acetate part, which was determined as the most active fraction, was selected for further separation using chromatographic techniques.

RESULTS

Ethylacetate fraction exhibited significant inhibitory activities on collagenase and elastase. Chromatographic separation of the ethylacetate extract yielded an active subfraction, from which was used to isolate quercetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1'''→2'')-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), isoorientin (3), and 7-methylisoorientin (4). Of the compounds tested, 7-methylisoorientin (4) exerted inhibitory activity on collagenase and elastase, while quercetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1'''→2'')-β-glucopyranoside (1) inhibited collagenase only. None of the fractions, or isolated compounds showed any inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase. It must be mentioned, that in vitro tests showed that compounds 1-4 inhibit the collagenase and elastase and could help wound-healing process. However, the inhibititory effect of the methanol extract appears to be greater than that of both of the ethylacetate fraction, subfraction G and the isolated compounds, which suggest that a synergistic interaction of several compounds could be responsible for the wound-healing activity of the aerial parts of S. latifolia.

Phytochemical Analysis of Podospermum and Scorzonera n-Hexane Extracts and the HPLC Quantitation of Triterpenes

Previously tested n-hexane extracts of the Scorzonera latifolia showed promising bioactivity in vivo. Because triterpenes could account for this activity, n-hexane extracts were analyzed by HPLC to identify and quantify the triterpenes as the most abundant constituents. Other Scorzonera and Podospermum species, potentially containing triterpenic aglycones, were included in the study. An HPLC method for simultaneous determination of triterpene aglycones was therefore developed for analysis of Podospermum and Scorzonera species. n-Hexane extracts of root and aerial parts of S. latifolia, ten other Scorzonera species and two Podospermum species were studied to compare the content of triterpenes. HPLC was used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of α-amyrin, lupeol, lupeol acetate, taraxasteryl acetate, 3-β-hydroxy-fern-7-en-6-one acetate, urs-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl, 3-β-hydroxy-fern-8-en-7-one acetate, and olean-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl. Limits of detection and quantification were determined for each compound. HPLC fingerprinting of n-hexane extracts of Podospermum and Scorzonera species revealed relatively large amounts of triterpenes in a majority of investigated taxa. Lupeol, lupeol acetate, and taraxasteryl acetate were found in a majority of the species, except S. acuminata. The presence of α-amyrin, 3β-hydroxy-fern-7-en-6-one-acetate, urs-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl, 3β-hydroxy-fern-8-en-7-one-acetate, and olean-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl was detected in varying amounts. The triterpene content could correlate with the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Scorzonera, which was previously observed and Scorzonera species that have been determined to contain triterpenes in large amounts and have not yet been tested for their analgesic activity should be tested for their potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. The presented HPLC method can be used for analysis of triterpene aglycones, for example dedicated to chemosystematic studies of the Scorzonerinae.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Compounds of Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC. Collected from Different Geographic Origins in Turkey

Objectives

The chemical composition of plants is considered to be affected by many parameters. Therefore, the region where the samples are collected is likely to have an influence on the composition of phenolic compounds, so that their biological activities. In the present study, evaluation of antioxidant activity potentials of Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. & Mey.) DC. aerial parts and roots, which were collected from different regions of Turkey, was aimed.

Materials and Methods

1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were used for determining antioxidant capacities of the tested extracts. In order to observe variations in the chemical composition of the investigated samples qualitatively as well as quantitatively, high performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed.

Results

Quantitative analysis showed that the amounts of chlorogenic acid and hyperoside in plants vary according to the regions where the samples were collected. As a result aerial parts of the S. latifolia collected from the Kars region have found to contain higher amount of chlorogenic acid (1246.78±3.20 µg/g) as well as hyperoside (652.32±2.48 µg/g) than other samples. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was determined with the IC₅₀ value of 1.036 mg/mL for S. latifolia aerial parts of Kayseri sample. MDA level was detected as the lowest with treatment of S. latifolia Bayburt root sample (4.41 nmol/mL).

Conclusion

According to the antioxidant activity results, no significant difference was observed in the antioxidant potential between the samples collected from different locations except for S. latifolia collected from the Kars region.

Turkish Scorzonera Species Extracts Attenuate Cytokine Secretion via Inhibition of NF-κB Activation, Showing Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Vitro

Scorzonera species are used in different folk medicines to combat many diseases, including the illnesses connected with inflammation. Previous experiments showed anti-inflammatory activity of Scorzonera extracts in vivo. S. latifolia, S. cana var. jacquiniana, S. tomentosa, S. mollis ssp. szowitsii, S. eriophora, S. incisa, S. cinerea, and S. parviflora extracts were, therefore, evaluated for their inhibitory activities of TNF-α and IL-1β production, and NF-κB nuclear translocation in THP-1 macrophages. The HPLC analysis was carried out to elucidate and to compare the composition of these extracts. Major compounds of the tested extracts have been isolated using different chromatographic techniques and further tested for their inhibitory activities on TNF-α and IL-1β production. Several extracts showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in these in vitro tests. Results of HPLC analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as a compound present in all tested extracts. Hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside and rutin were also present in varying amount in some Scorzonera species analyzed. Furthermore, eight phenolics which were identified as quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside (1), hyperoside (2), hydrangenol-8-O-glucoside (3), swertisin (4), 7-methylisoorientin (5), 4,5-O-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid (6), 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl-quinic acid (7), and chlorogenic acid (8) have been isolated as major phenolic compounds of the tested extracts and, together with eight terpenoids (9–16) previously obtained from different Scorzonera species, have been tested for the inhibition of TNF-α production, unfortunately with no activity comparable with standard.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. leaf solid phase extraction fraction and its anticoagulant activity

The aims of this study were to examine the bioactive component(s) responsible for the anticoagulant activity of M. malabathricum Linn. leaf hot water crude extract via bioassay-guided fractionation and to evaluate the effect of bioactive component(s) on the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway. The active anticoagulant fraction of F3 was subjected to a series of chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analyses. Furthermore, the effect of the bioactive component(s) on the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway was studied through immediate and time incubation mixing studies. Through Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) assay-guided fractionation, Subfraction B was considered the most potent anticoagulant fraction. Characterisation of Subfraction B indicated that anticoagulant activity could partly be due to the presence of cinnamic acid and a cinnamic acid derivative. APTT assays for both the immediate and time incubation mixing were corrected back into normal clotting time range (35.4–56.3 s). In conclusion, cinnamic acid and cinnamic acid derivative from Subfraction B were the first such compounds to be discovered from M. malabathricum Linn. leaf hot water crude extract that possess anticoagulant activity. This active anticoagulant Subfraction B prolonged blood clotting time by causing factor(s) deficiency in the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway.

Antimalarial and safety evaluation of Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern: in-vitro and in-vivo study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many of the effective therapeutic strategies have been derived from ethnopharmacologically used natural products. Pluchea lanceolata is an herb employed in Indian folk medicine for malaria like fever but it lacks proper pharmacological intervention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate antimalarial and safety profile of Pluchea lanceolata: an in-vitro, in-vivo for its ethnopharmacological validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane extracts and its isolate, taraxasterol acetate (TxAc) were obtained from air dried aerial part of Pluchea lanceolata. These were tested in-vitro against chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum NF54 by measuring the parasite specific lactate dehydrogenase activity. The most potent hexane extract and TxAc were further validated for in-vivo antimalarial and safety evaluation. TxAc, a pentacyclic-triterpene isolated from the most active fraction was further evaluated with special emphasis on inflammatory mediators involved in malaria pathogenesis. Murine malaria was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of Plasmodium berghei infected red blood cells to the male Swiss inbred mice. Mice were orally treated following Peters 4-Day suppression test. In-vivo antimalarial efficacy was examined by evaluating the parasitaemia, percent survival, mean survival time, blood glucose, haemoglobin and pro-inflammatory mediators involved in malaria pathogenesis.

RESULTS

Hexane extract and TxAc showed promising antimalarial activity in-vitro and in-vivo condition. TxAc attributed in inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as afford to significant increase in the blood glucose and haemoglobin level when compared with vehicle treated infected mice. We have not observed the synergistic action of combinations of chloroquine and TxAc from our experimental results. In-vitro and in-vivo safety evaluation study revealed that hexane extract is non toxic at higher concentration.

CONCLUSION

Present study further validates the ancient Indian traditional knowledge and use of Pluchea lanceolata as an antimalarial agent. Study confirms the suitability of Pluchea lanceolata as a candidate for further studies to obtain a prototype for antimalarial medicine.

Radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity of active quinic acid derivatives from Scorzonera divaricata roots

Five new quinic acid derivatives and two known 3-O-feruloylquinic acids were isolated from the roots of Scorzonera divaricata Turcz. The new compounds were elucidated as (-)-1,4-di-O-feruloyl-3-O-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid, (-)-1-O-feruloyl-4-O- dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid, (-)-3,5-di-O-feruloylquinic acid, (-)-1-O-feruloyl-3-O-dihydro- caffeoylquinic acid, and (-)-1-O-feruloyl-5-O-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid based on extensive spectroscopic studies, including one- and two-dimensional NMR, HRESIMS, UV, and IR results. Five compounds were assessed for antioxidant activity by ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging assays and for their cytotoxicity against HL-60 and Hep-G2 cell lines by the MTT assay. Three quinic acid derivatives exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with IC(50) values of 3.95, 5.87, and 7.45 μg/mL against ABTS(+) and 11.7, 13.6, and 50.1 μg/mL against DPPH(). (-)-1,4-Di-O-feruloyl-3-O-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid also exhibited moderate activity against Hep-G2 cell lines with an IC(50) value of 14.6 μg/mL.

Ethnopharmacological evaluation of some Scorzonera species: in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scorzonera species are mainly used against inflammation and to relieve pain in Turkish traditional medicine. Therefore, we aimed to assess in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the aerial part and root extracts of Scorzonera acuminata, Scorzonera cana var. alpina, Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cana var. radicosa, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa, Scorzonera laciniata ssp. laciniata, Scorzonera parviflora and Scorzonera sublanata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the anti-inflammatory activity evaluation carrageenan, PGE(2) and serotonin-induced hind paw edema and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema models were used. p-Benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test was employed in mice for the assessment of antinociceptive activity. Furthermore chemical composition of the tested extracts was investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by using RP-HPLC method. Some phenolic acids and flavonoids were used as standards.

RESULTS

Extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa and Scorzonera parviflora showed significant inhibitory effect on carrageenan and PGE(2)-induced hind paw edema model as well as on p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test. The extracts did not show any remarkable activity on serotonin-induced hind paw edema and TPA-induced mouse ear edema models. Chlorogenic acid was detected as major compounds in all the species investigated. Additionally, among the tested flavonoids, luteolin-7-glucoside, hyperoside and rutin were found to be in different amounts in Scorzonera species.

CONCLUSION

The experimental data revealed that Scorzonera cana var. jacquiniana, Scorzonera cinerea, Scorzonera eriophora, Scorzonera incisa and Scorzonera parviflora possess significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity. It has been suggested that flavonoids and chlorogenic acid are partly responsible for mentioned activities of Scorzonera species.

A new triterpene from Scorzonera latifolia (Fisch. and Mey.) DC

A novel triterpene 1 (3-β-hydroxy-fern-7-en-6-one-acetate) together with four known compounds, urs-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl (2), 3-β-hydroxy-fern-8-en-7-one-acetate (3), olean-12-en-11-one-3-acetyl (4) and leucodin (5) were obtained from the S. latifolia roots. All compounds were isolated from the n-hexane extract of S. latifolia roots using several chromatographic techniques. The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated on the basis of (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and 2D NMR data (HMBC, HMQC, COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, DEPT) as well as GC EITOF-HRMS.

Phenolic compounds from the roots of Jordanian viper's grass, Scorzonera judaica

Nine new phenolic compounds, 3S-hydrangenol 40-O-R-L-rhamnopyranoysl-(1-->3)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), thunberginol F 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 2-hydroxy-6-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]benzoic acid (3), 2-hydroxy-6-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]benzoic acid (4), 2-hydroxy-6-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-5-methoxy)-2-oxoethyl]benzoic acid (5), hydrangeic acid 40-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), E-3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)dihydrofuran-2-one (7), Z-3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2(3H)-furanone (8), and 4-[β-D-glucopyranosyl)hydroxy]-pinoresinol (9), and nine known compounds were isolated from the roots of Scorzonera judaica. Structures of 1-9 were elucidated by mass spectrometry, extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and CD spectroscopy.All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity.